‘He battles away’: Michael Dawson praised by Nottingham Forest legend Kenny Burns

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Nottingham Forest have been hit with a number of injuries to key players in the last few weeks. 

The likes of Michael Dawson, Samba Sow and Alfa Semedo have all missed the last couple of games through injury. This hasn’t helped Sabri Lamouchi’s side who have recently suffered back-to-back defeats against Wigan Athletic and Hull City.

Lamouchi has hinted that the injury situation may have eased ahead of this weekend’s trip to Luton Town.

There’s no doubt that the Frenchman has a very strong squad to choose from this season. He isn’t able to use injuries as an excuse like some managers have been able to in the past.

One player who has been a huge miss for the Reds though is Dawson. The 35-year-old has still only lost one match since returning to the City Ground on a free transfer from Hull City.

It’s fair to say that his leadership qualities on the pitch bring out the best in the players around him. Not only that, but he is still a solid defender at this level.

It’s highly unlikely that the Reds would’ve lost against Wigan and Hull with Dawson in the side. The Reds conceded a number of soft goals which Dawson is unlikely to have allowed to happen had he been playing.

Captain

One of Forest’s Miracle Men, Kenny Burns, inclines to agree that the Reds have missed Dawson and hopes he is back as soon as possible. Speaking to the Nottingham Post, he said: “Michael Dawson has been a big miss. If he does come back from injury this week, it will be a huge boost for us.

“I think we’ve missed Dawson’s leadership as well. He’s a proper captain.

“He battles away and he’s very vocal on the pitch, just like Worrall. He’ll give people a rollicking if they’re not doing their job.

“I’d bring Dawson straight back into the team when he’s fully fit – although you don’t want to risk him if he’s not 100 percent.”

It remains to be seen whether Dawson is fit enough to face Luton on Saturday.

There’s no doubt it would be a boost for everyone connected with the club if he was able to make a return to the team.